With some of its players still in football mode, Manteca’s boys basketball team is starting its season with three straight road games.

On Monday, the Buffaloes waxed West of Tracy 73-38, bouncing back from their season-opening loss at Elk Grove over the weekend.

Justice Chase led Manteca (1-1) with 15 points. The Buffs erupted for 22 points in each of the first two quarters, building a 44-18 halftime lead. They were able to rest their starters for tonight’s matchup at Pleasant Grove.

“A couple of sophomore have been pulled up to varsity and are getting good experience,” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “On Saturday we played what might be a top-10 NorCal team and we committed a lot of turnovers. It was a lot smoother today. We pressed and were able to play with more pace, but we still have a lot to work on. We’re still putting the pieces together.”

Noah Lyon contributed 14 points, Ryan Inderbtizin had 13 and Braden Nussbaumer chipped in 10

GIRLS SOCCER

Weston Ranch 3, Lathrop 2

Yaritza Jimenez scored two goals and assisted one, while goalie Anabelle Mayorca came up with six saves to lead the host Cougars to their first win since Nov. 30, 2018. Jimenez volleyed the game-winner in the 75th minute.

Fatima Ruiz Perez netted a goal and an assist. Montserrat Ruiz Perez assisted the first goal of the game with a corner kick.

Weston Ranch (1-1) led 2-0 at halftime before the Spartans made things interesting with two quick goals in the second half. Mayorca did well to keep her team in it with two big stops on shots that could have pushed Lathrop ahead.

“The girls woke up and showed the resiliency to finish strong,” Weston Ranch coach Gabe Padilla said. “Had it not been for Mayorca who had two giant saves, it should have been a 3-2 win for Lathrop. She bailed us out.”

BOYS SOCCER

Weston Ranch 4, Venture Academy 1

The visiting Cougars gave up a goal in the opening minute but controlled the rest of the match.

Zinedine Valdez led the charge with goals after missing the entire pandemic-shortened spring season with an injury. Alexis Chavez added a goal and an assist, Angel Zapata dished out two assists and Diego Garcia scored once. Goalie Marcos Arriaza had one save.

JV boys hoops

Manteca 75, West 19

Christian Cardoza nearly outscored West by himself with 16 points.

Bryson Davis pitched in with 12, while Micah Crawford and Blake Glasgow turned in nine apiece.

Frosh boys hoop

Manteca 70, West 39

Elijah Middleton torched the host Wolf Pack for 29 points. Jayden Scarver added 12 points, and Harp Mehrok tallied 10.